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Biomaterials
The intersection of biomedical science and materials engineering is an exciting one, and largely falls in the province of biomaterials and tissue engineering. Many of the advances being made at the interface of these two disciplines are at the centre of new medical and health-based technologies and are changing the way we live and treat illness. Monash University is a leader in many aspects of biomedical engineering and exciting opportunities exist within Materials Engineering in the area of biomaterials and tissue engineering. Australia has an urgent need for biomedical engineers with a solid grounding in biomedical science and materials engineering. Biomaterials are materials that are used in medical devices or are in contact with biological systems and do not adversely affect the living organism and its components. The field of biomaterials is highly multidisciplinary and involves principles from medicine, materials science and engineering, chemistry and biology. It involves the engineering and testing of the materials into useful devices for therapies. Its multidisciplinary nature often means that materials engineers work closely with surgeons, microbiologists, ethicists, and lawyers to name a few. Applications include:
How important are biomaterials?Commercially, biomaterials are of enormous importance. It is thought that biomaterials based devices cost some $AUS400 billion dollars per year which constitutes roughly 8% of money spent on health-related issues (1). Even a specialist business such as making spinal implants is currently a $2.5 billion industry today but is expected to involve some $25 billion in sales for this orthopaedic device alone in future years (2). The wound repair market in the US, for example, is currently $520 million, heading up to $900 million in a matter of years (3). One of the most widely used biomaterials-based prosthetics is the hip replacement and it is estimated that 1,000,000 of these are implanted per year worldwide. (4) Opportunities and careersThe use of materials in biomaterials applications gives them enormous value, compared to being used in other applications. For example, its been estimated that $600,000 worth of materials used traditionally in non-bio areas, has the value of some $10.5 billion when constructed into biomedical devices (5). This helps explain why there is so much commercial interest in biomaterials. Potential jobs at the intersection of biomedical science and materials engineeringTissue engineering – is the application of engineering and biological principles to assist regeneration of lost or damaged tissues or organs. Underpinning tissue engineering are scaffolds, which are 3-dimensional engineered materials that provide the foundation for cell growth and function. After the scaffold has served its purpose it degrades away – similar to the temporary scaffolding for the repair or construction of buildings. Prosthetic devices – hip, knee, elbow implants. These must be made of combinations of materials, which are strong, hard, abrasion resistant, corrosion resistant, biocompatible and have low friction. They also must be surface modified to reduce inflammation and host rejection when implanted in the body. Titanium hip implants are often coated with ceramics that mimic natural bone to improve integration. New materials for control of stem cell behaviour: a major issue with the use of stem cells is their limited number for therapeutic applications and the difficulty in controlling the differentiation of these cells. A major research initiative is the design and fabrication of 3-dimensional artificial niches to increase the proliferation of stem cells and to control the differentiation status of these cells. Gene therapy – involves the insertion of genes into cells for the treatment of diseases. Genes are generally delivered using viruses however there are associated problems with host immune reactions. Synthetic polymeric nanoparticles that self assemble are actively being investigated as alternatives to viruses. Surface treatment of materials –– it is often financially restrictive for biomedical companies to synthesize new materials from scratch. However, existing biomaterials are often surface modified to dramatically improve their interaction with the body. For instance, many contact lenses are modified by depositing nano-sized polymeric films on the surface to improve the wettability of the lens, making them more comfortable to wear. New “protein repellent’ surfaces – the performance of many biomedical devices such as biosensors are highly dependent on the surface resisting the build up proteins found naturally in the body – these surfaces are commonly called “low fouling”. New polymeric materials are being engineered to resist the adherence of proteins and to gain a fundamental understanding of protein-surface interactions. Biomimetic materials - The construction of artificial materials that mimic natural forms. Common examples are: nano-rough surfaces (dirt falls off, lotus leaf effect) or materials, which try to emulate the toughness of nanocomposite abalone shell or the extraordinary adhesive (and self-cleaning) properties of the gecko pad (millions of tiny hairs) What type of area is important in biomaterials?Successful biomaterials work requires scientists to have knowledge of a wide range of areas: toxicology, biocompatibility, healing, mechanical and performance requirements, industrial expertise, ethics and regulations expertise.(8) These are the sorts of areas that would be studied in a biomedical science/engineering (with specialisation in Materials Engineering) degree. What sort of jobs would they do?As for other materials scientists and engineers, materials engineers with training in the biomedical science area would work in the development of new materials and products, as well as in sales and marketing, technical services, management, quality control, process control, and as consultants. They would also be well placed to undertake research into biomaterials. What is the state of the biomaterials related industries in Australia now?Biomaterials are clearly a booming area of high commercial activity, with an expanding industrial base. This is as true in Australia as anywhere else, and is well recognised by the Australian Government which notes that Australia has a reputation for leading advances in biotechnology and biomaterials, particularly in “biomaterials for medical uses such as surgically-implanted devices or scaffolds, targeted drug delivery”. (6)(7) Future DirectionsIt has been said that “The most important advance in the 21st century will be the introduction of atomic-scale prostheses to repair and restore human body function...the fusion of atomic-scale engineering technology with our bodies will enormously enhance human performance" (10). The fusion of nanomaterials engineering (which deals with the manipulation of ten’s of atoms, and thus works at the 10-9 m size-scale) and biotechnology will allow unprecedented scope for materials scientists and engineers to tackle diseases and medical problems in a smarter and more targeted manner. The Department of Materials Engineering aims to teach the necessary skills in its undergraduate and research programs. What are your options?Bachelor of Biomedical Science/Bachelor of Engineering (Specialising in Materials Engineering) Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Engineering (Specialising in Materials Engineering) Benefits of Undertaking a Combined Degree
Some examples of our biomaterials research projects
Engineering smart nanomaterials to repair damaged neural pathways in the central nervous systemNeural tissue engineering (NTE) is a method of regeneration of damaged neurons providing cellular niches, which promote attachment, growth, proliferation and migration. Electrospun scaffolds are ideal for NTE, as nano-scale architectures can be fabricated that have dimensional similarities to the native basement membrane. Neural stem cells’ differentiation is dependant on the physical and chemical properties of the scaffold. The physical environment provides cues that can be exploited to enhance and direct differentiation. Furthermore, electrospun scaffolds can be easily functionalised to promote adherence. The longer-term goal of this research is to utilise cell-scaffold constructs that will assist in functional recovery of the damaged spinal cord in vivo. Biocompatible power sourcesBiocompatible power sources are the key to many implantable biomedical devices including pacemakers, cochlear ear implants and sensors. Recently some exciting work in the field of magnesium biocompatible batteries has evolved. This battery will be used to stimulate nerve regeneration by controlling the release of growth hormones from conducting polymers; this work is in collaboration with Professors Gordon Wallace and Graeme Clarke who head up the Bionics programme within the Centre for Electromagnetic Materials. This program is ultimately aimed at nerve regeneration for spinal cord repair. New materials for implantsA big challenge to materials engineers is developing high performance biocompatible materials to be used in implant surgery. The demand for such materials is huge. It is particularly the need for materials that match the mechanical properties of the bone that drives interesting developments in materials design. Currently, titanium alloys are the materials of choice for manufacturing bone implants, e.g. in hip prosthetics. A broad solution to the problem of implant biocompatibility is coating of titanium alloys with hydroxyapatite, which is a major constituent of physiological bone. However, the coating tends to deteriorate with time, which may lead to failure of the implant. Researchers are exploring the possibilities of improving the performance of bone implants by providing pathways for in-growth of bone cells into a metallic ‘scaffold’, thus enhancing the cohesion and reducing the need for a repeat operation. EnquiriesDr John Forsythe (1) Lysaght, MJ, O'Laughlin J. The demographic scope and economic magnitude of contemporary organ replacement therapies. ASAIO 2000; J46: 515-21. |
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